National Signing Day took on a different meaning after the early signing period in December but it wasn't any less exciting for Memphis or coach Mike Norvell.

With six new players added to the 2018 recruiting class on Wednesday, Norvell called it a celebration without the stress of his past two signing days at Memphis.

"Every year, signing day is one of my favorite days of the year because it marks a new beginning. A new beginning for a group of young men that have elected to come and join our program," Norvell said.

The Tigers announced a total of 24 newcomers - 20 of them scholarship players - for 2018. Of the 20, 12 players signed in December graduate, Brady White enrolled as a graduate transfer and Alec Long officially enrolled after grayshirting last season.

As expected, it's also the smallest class size Memphis under Norvell, who signed 21 and 25 players in his first two years and the Tigers' smallest class of the decade.

University of Memphis receiver Anthony Miller sets a shook-record for touchdown catches after grabbing his fourth in front of University of Connecticut defender Brice McAllister (right) during third quarter action in East Hartford, Conn., Friday, October 6, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis tight end Sean Dykes (bottom) celebrates a go ahead touchdown to give the Tigers a 42-38 victory over University of Houston in Houston, Texas., Thursday, October 19, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis receiver Anthony Miller (left) can not haul in a touchdown catch against University of Louisiana-Monroe defender Juwan Offray (right) during third quarter action at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis receiver Anthony Miller (right) can not hang onto a pass while being hit by University of Louisiana-Monroe Rhoy Williams (left) during third quarter action at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis fans brave the heavy rains and winds that pour down inside the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium before the Tigers first football game of the season against Louisiana-Monroe, Friday evening. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson makes a first down pass against the Navy defense during third quarter action Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, October 14, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis teammates celebrate with a wrestling belt after getting a turnover against ECU during second quarter at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, November 25, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis running back Patrick Taylor, Jr. (left) scrambles past the SMU defense for a first down during second quarter action in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, November 18, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis head coach Mike Norvell (middle) gets a dumped with a cooler of water after winning the American Athletic Conference West Division Championship by defeating SMU 66-45 in Memphis, Tenn., Saturday, November 18, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis band member perform before the tigers homecoming football game against Southern Illinois University at the Liberty Bowl Stadium on Saturday, September 23, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis receiver Kedarian Jones (left) can not hang onto to a pass while defended by Southern Illinois University safety Jeremy Chinn (right) during second quarter action at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 23, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis tight end Joey Magnifico (left) can not hang onto to a touchdown pass while defended by Southern Illinois University safety Ryan Neal (right) during second quarter action at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 23, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis returner Tony Pollard (front) brings back a kickoff against the Southern Illinois University defense during first quarter action at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 23, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis football team prepare to take the field as they take on Southern Illinois University at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 23, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis running back Darrell Henderson (middle) scrambles for a first down against the Tulane University defense during first quarter action in Memphis, Tenn., Friday, October 27, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis receiver Phil Mayhue (top) dives for a first down against the University of Tulsa defense during third quarter action in Tulsa, Okla., Friday, November 3, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Tulsa kicker returner Keylon Stokes (top) is up ended by the University of Memphis kickoff team during fourth quarter action in Tulsa, Okla., Friday, November 3, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis running back Darrell Henderson (top) celebrates a touchdown with teammate Drew Kyser (bottom) against University of Tulsa during first quarter action in Tulsa, Okla., Friday, November 3, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis receiver Roderick Proctor celebrates a first down catch against the University of Tulsa defense during first quarter action in Tulsa, Okla., Friday, November 3, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis head coach Mike Norvell (right) lead his team onto the field as take one Southern Illinois University at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium Saturday, September 23, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis defender Genard Avery celebrates grabbing a fumble against the UCF offense during second quarter action of the the AAC Championship football game in Orlando, Fl., Saturday, December 2, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis running back Darrell Henderson (right) breaks away from UCF defender Tre Neal (left) leading to a touchdown during second quarter action of the the AAC Championship football game in Orlando, Fl., Saturday, December 2, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis running back Darrell Henderson (right) breaks away from UCF defender Tre Neal (left) leading to a touchdown during second quarter action of the the AAC Championship football game in Orlando, Fl., Saturday, December 2, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Dejected Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson (middle) sits on the field as UCF teammates celebrate his interception to give the Knights a 62-55 victory during second overtime action at the AAC Championship football game in Orlando, Fl., Saturday, December 2, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis running back Darrell Henderson (right) celebrates his touchdown run against UCF with quarterback Riley Ferguson (left) during second quarter action of the the AAC Championship football game in Orlando, Fl., Saturday, December 2, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis running back Tony Pollard (middle) looks for an open lane agains the UCF defense during fourth quarter action of the the AAC Championship football game in Orlando, Fl., Saturday, December 2, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis receiver Anthony Miller hauls in a 68 yard touchdown catch in front of the UCF bench during second quarter action of the the AAC Championship football game in Orlando, Fl., Saturday, December 2, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Memphis receiver Anthony Miller celebrates a 68 yard touchdown against UCF during second quarter action of the the AAC Championship football game in Orlando, Fl., Saturday, December 2, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

The University of Memphis defense brings down UCLA running back Bolu Olorunfunmi (middle) during first quarter action at The Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee., Friday, September 16, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis head coach Mike Norvell (middle) and Athletic Director Tom Bowen (right) celebrate as they walk off the field after defeating national ranked UCLA 45-48 at The Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee., Friday, September 16, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis fans rush the field after the Tigers defeated national ranked UCLA 48-45 at The Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee., Friday, September 16, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis receiver Anthony Miller (middle) tip toes up the sideline for a positive gain against the UCLA defense during third quarter action at The Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee., Friday, September 16, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis receiver John Williams (left) fights for yards against University of Connecticut defender Omar Fortt (right) during first quarter action in East Hartford, Conn., Friday, October 6, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson (second right) looks to make a pass against the University of Connecticut defense during first quarter action in East Hartford, Conn., Friday, October 6, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

University of Memphis University defensive back Terrell "TJ" Carter (left) grabs an interception in front of University of Connecticut in East Hartford, Conn., Friday, October 6, 2017. (right) in East Hartford, Conn., Friday, October 6, 2017. Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal

Norvell knew the class would be small but said it allowed him and his staff to target certain players and fill clear needs, including offensive line.

CLOSE

Offensive line was a priority in Memphis' 2018 recruiting class and Mike Norvell addresses that on National Signing Day
Evan Barnes

Depth and strength

Manuel Orona, a three-star recruit from Glendale Community College, and Isaac Ellis, a two-star recruit from Carroll High in Louisiana, are both linemen that will help add depth to a position that returns four starters.

"We love adding competition for guys to be able to come in and have a chance to compete immediately and impact us immediately," Norvell said.

On defense, Memphis announced the arrival of linebacker Jaylon Allen, defensive end Montre Bonner, linebacker Nyle Love and defensive end Kam Wilson.

Allen and Bonner are three-star recruits. Bonner, an All-American from Fullerton Community College (Calif.), was a player that Norvell was excited about for his ability as a pass-rusher.

Bonner had 14 sacks as a sophomore last season leading Fullerton to a state championship and 11 sacks as a freshman year

"Sacking the quarterback is an art and there's nobody in the junior college ranks that's done it better in the past two seasons," Norvell said of Bonner.

Long, a 6-foot, 220 pound safety from Jackson, is a physical player and is one of two defensive backs in the class, along with Quindell Johnson, who signed in December.

Norvell admitted the suspense of Signing Day was different after signing most of the class two months ago.

"It was unique today because we had 14 guys signed or enrolled so today was a much less stressful day than in previous years," Norvell said. "But we're excited about the group that's coming in."

Memphis' incoming class of 2018 (February signees)

Jaylon Allen

LB, 6-2, 215

Atascocita (Humble, Texas)

247 composite: Three-star

Twitter handle: @notJaylon

The final word: Allen had offers from Central Arkansas and UNLV, among others, but signing with Memphis has to be the surprise of this Tigers recruiting class. He was a first-team all-district selection as a defensive end but with his size, he projects to be a linebacker.

Montre Bonner

DE, 6-2, 260

Fullerton Community College (Fullerton, Calif.)

247 composite: Three-star

Twitter handle: @montre_9

The final word: Originally from Virginia, Bonner is a pass-rushing specialist. Over the last two seasons, he has 25 sacks, including 14 last season, to lead Fullerton to its second consecutive state title. He was a first-team All-American. Bonner should have an immediate impact next year with the Tigers looking to replace the sack production of Genard Avery.

Isaac Ellis

OL 6-2, 315

Carroll (Monroe, La.)

247 composite: Two-star

Twitter handle: @BigIsaac74

The final word: Ellis committed to the Tigers in the summer and did not waver from his decision. Memphis assistant head coach Ryan Silverfield said on ESPN 92.9 that he expects Ellis to play a key role as an interior lineman and described him as bringing "grit and nastiness" on the field.

Nyle Love

LB, 6-1, 225

Lausanne (Memphis)

247 composite: Two-star

Twitter handle: @love_nyle

The final word: Love is a cousin of Corteze Love and a finalist for the Commercial Appeal High School Defensive Football Player of the Year. He recorded 78 tackles last year for the Division II-AA state champions. He also celebrated his birthday this month so his signing keeps up a great month for the Love family.

Manuel Orona

OL, 6-3, 295

Glendale Community College (Glendale, Ariz.)

247 composite: Three-Star

Twitter handle: @Manuelorona00

The final word: Orona had offers from Kansas, Kansas State and Arizona State, but he decided to remain with the Tigers after committing in January. He was a second-team All-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference selection. Memphis coach Mike Norvell and assistant head coach Ryan Silverfield praised him for being a tough, physical player.

Kameron Wilson

DE/TE, 6-7, 225

Hueytown (Hueytown, Ala.)

247 composite: Two-Star

Twitter handle: @kamewilson

The final word: Is Wilson a true defensive end with his size? Can he play tight end? What matters is he's 6-7 with the athleticism to make an impact somewhere. He played basketball in high school so his footwork is strong, but Wilson is an intriguing prospect given that he didn't play high school football until his junior year.